12 Mr. Clohessy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will join the Partnership for Peace; and, if not, the reason therefor. [3341/97]

I have outlined in this House, most recently on 11 December, and in my discussions with the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs on this issue, the steps to be followed in adhering to Partnership for Peace and the benefits that such participation would entail for Ireland. The Government White Paper on Foreign Policy made clear that a decision on participation would be subject to a motion on the terms and scope of any participation by Ireland being approved by the Houses of the Oireachtas. That remains the position.

It remains my view that it is in Ireland's interests to participate in Partnership for Peace, which is a co-operative security initiative that now includes almost all members of the OSCE. Switzerland became the most recent country to join Partnership for Peace last December. I am keeping the issue of Irish participation in Partnership for Peace under continuing review.